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Based on preliminary data, the system provided a total of 870,171 trips between 5 a.m. and midnight.

Metro officials attributed the especially busy day to the combination of Cherry Blossom visitors, a Washington Nationals game, a Washington Wizards game and an immigration rally at the U.S. Capitol.

It was the system's highest ridership day since April 2, 2010. All 10 of Metro's busiest days have happened in the last five years.

There will likely be no letup in the crush on Metro trains Thursday; in fact, Metro expects that ridership could be even higher. could also see higher ridership,

Thursday's favorable weather could bring huge crowds to see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom, a Washington Nationals game at 7:05 p.m. and a Washington Capitals game at 7:00 p.m.

As a result, riders may experience more crowded trains and stations during this evening's rush hour. Metro will provide extra Green Line trains between Mount Vernon Square and Anacostia stations during rush hour to accommodate baseball travel.